Norfolk doctor-turned-writer's new birdwatching book will support children with disabilities

Former Sheringham GP Moss Taylor and his partner Robina Churchyard, who have raised more than £22,500 for children with cerebral palsy since setting up a charity in honour of Mr Taylor's grandson five years ago.
Picture: DENISE BRADLEY

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A Sheringham GP-turned-nature writer is launching his latest bird book, with profits from sales going to the children's charity he set up in honour of his grandson.

Hoopoe, Happisburgh, one of the photographs featured in a new book on birds by former Sheringham GP Moss Taylor.
Picture: BOB COBBOLD

Moss Taylor, who turned his passion for ornithology into a successful second career after retiring from Sheringham Medical Practice in 1994, has published nine books, also writing around 500 'In the Countryside' columns for the Eastern Daily Press and contributing to a number of nature magazines.

His latest title, which features nearly 80 photographs, is entitled Rare and Scarce Birds in North-east Norfolk.

Red-backed shrike, Cromer, one of the photographs featured in a new book on birds by former Sheringham GP Moss Taylor.
Picture: BOB COBBOLD

The book lists habitats and birding activities in the area covered by the North East Norfolk Bird Club over the three years from when the club was founded in 2015.

"It was originally written for the club's website," Mr Taylor explained. "But I then decided to expand it, including as many photographs as possible and adding two additional chapters covering the many habitats in this part of Norfolk, as well as some of the well-known characters in birding."

A bluethroat snapped at West Runton, one of the photographs featured in a new book on birds by former Sheringham GP Moss Taylor.
Picture: JULIAN BHALERAO

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All proceeds from sales of the book will go to Love For Leo, which was founded five years ago by Mr Taylor and his partner Robina Churchyard to raise funds for Norfolk and Suffolk children affected by cerebral palsy.

Olive-backed Pipit, Muckleburgh Hill, one of the photographs featured in a new book on birds by former Sheringham GP Moss Taylor.
Picture: STEVE GANTLETT

Because his grandson Leo was born with the condition, Mr Taylor wanted to help other families by paying for treatment and equipment not available through the NHS.

The charity has since raised more than £22,500 from fundraising events, donations, profits from Mr Taylors books, talks and bird courses, and proceeds from the sale of preserves made by Mrs Churchyard.

Caspian Gull, Cromer, photographed by Julian Bhalerao.

As well as providing financial support to 21 children with cerebral palsy, Love For Leo has donated more than £1,000 to the Norfolk and Norwich Scope Association (NANSA) towards its work with disabled children.

"Cerebral palsy is often due to problems at birth and results in varying degrees of lifelong physical disability," Mr Taylor said. "Unfortunately, not all the expensive equipment needed to improve the quality of life of these children is available through the NHS, nor are some of the surgical treatments, and this is where Love for Leo is able to help."

Mr Taylor and Mrs Churchyard welcome requests for financial assistance for Norfolk or Suffolk children with cerebral palsy. For more information, phone 01263 823637 or email: moss.taylor@btinternet.com